Balayan · Batangas
first capital of Batangas (1697–1732)
Founded in 1578, Balayan is one of the oldest towns in the Philippines. The name traces its roots to the Sri-Visayan word balai meaning house, reflecting its origins as a community of homes built on stilts along Balayan Bay. Once believed to be the center of the ancient Ma-i kingdom, Balayan has evolved into a thriving agri-industrial hub.
IMMACULATE CONCEPTION
Built 1749–1795 · coral stone · National Cultural Treasure
⚓ watchtower built after 1754 pirate raid
Where tradition lives in every corner
Balayan served as a trading center for centuries, from the pre-colonial era as the center of a Muslim kingdom. It was the first capital of Batangas province from 1697 to 1732, and remains the traditional commercial center of western Batangas.
First Capital 1697-1732
Balayan can be the most conservative area in Batangas, and life here is quite relaxed. Locals learn English at school, but will use Tagalog in everyday conversation; some elderly can still speak and understand Spanish.
From 3rd class to 1st class municipality
Balayan rapidly rose from a third-class municipality in 1992 to first-class status by 1996, highlighting its steady economic progress anchored by a sugar central and supported by agriculture, fisheries, and cottage industries.
Your journey to heritage begins
From Manila: approx. 2-3 hours
Balayan is at the junction of two highways, joining at a roundabout north of downtown:
Balayan Poblacion · Immaculate Conception Church · Ancestral Houses
Explore centuries of history
National Cultural Treasure (declared 2001)
Built from 1749 to 1795 by the secular clergy, this fortress-church was constructed with coral stones. The church and its convent were fortified with walls after the pirate raid of 1754, including a watchtower on a hill. The fortification was demolished sometime in the 1840s, the remnants of which are now a low perimeter wall.
The secular clergy administered Balayan from 1753 to 1876, followed by the Augustinian Recollects from around 1896 to 1901.
Inside the church are the old retablo, pulpit, and flooring made of colorful and black and white tiles. The third and fourth levels of the belfry were repaired using bricks after earthquake damage in the 19th century. In 1892, the levels were repaired with bricks but the fourth level was damaged; it was restored after 2003.
The church was marked by the National Historical Institute in 1986 and declared a National Cultural Treasure by the National Museum in 2001.
Bahay na Bato heritage along Fraternidad, Fe, Antorcha, Paz & Union streets
The Mariano Martinez House, called Casa Cacao Filipina because the family who owned it had a cacao business. Located across the municipal hall building.
At the corner of Antorcha and Don Sixto streets, this bahay na bato has two markers honoring siblings Sixto Lopez (1863-1947) and Clemencia Lopez (1872-1963) who were anti-US imperialists.
Characterized by Neo-Gothic doorways popular in the ancestral houses of Balayan, Taal, and Batangas City, with a Spanish-era gate and kinalabasa (squash-shaped) balusters. Located at Union and Paz streets.
At the corner of Putol and Paz streets, this house (now Apacible house) is notable for its wide capiz windows and walls with bamboo slat markings indicating how it was used to hold the palitada (plaster) during construction.
Framing the corner of Union and Paz streets, an impressive bahay na bato with its zaguan (lower level).
On Antorcha Street, this quaint house has undergone changes but retains much of its character. Also on Antorcha are Martinez family houses and two with Art Deco elements.
The grandest in Batangas province
Located on an elevated ground on Paz Street, this cemetery is the grandest of many Spanish-era burial grounds in Batangas. The old convent was torn down in 1857 and replaced with a new one (now Immaculate Conception College). Materials from the old convent were reused in the construction of the cemetery, including the retaining walls, the grand staircase, and the mortuary chapel at its center.
Open every Friday until 6pm
Every Friday, devotees gather at this private chapel on Progreso Street to venerate the antique image of the dead Christ, said to be miraculous. It is past 6 p.m., but outside the chapel devotees are still standing outside the fence and closed gate. It is a normal sight every Friday, the only day the private chapel is open to the public (until 6 p.m.). Visitors come not only from the town or province but from other parts of the country as well.
The chapel itself is a heritage structure built using elements from an old house that used to stand in its place. These include the doors, sala dividers, balusters, capiz windows reused as ceiling accents, newels as rail posts, corbels as altar accents, and coral stone blocks as wall cladding.
Balayan has at least two heritage school buildings located inside the Balayan East and Balayan West central schools on Paz Street. Located across each other, the schools still have their original Gabaldon-type buildings which look nicely preserved and maintained.
Where faith and culture come alive
The Lechon Festival · June 24
Held annually on June 24, the Parada ng Lechon is a religious and cultural festival celebrated in honor of St. John the Baptist. It showcases decorated roasted pigs, lively street performances, and vibrant celebrations honoring the town's rich culinary heritage. Along with the parade is the practice of water dousing among community members and visitors.
The day starts with water battles on the streets. In the morning, prepare to get wet with pails of water and water cannons from fire engines. After the water battles, lechon dressed in different ways are paraded through the streets. The festivities end with sumptuous feasts at every home.
Balayan is known for its solemn Holy Week processions, passing by its grand ancestral houses. These traditions are part of the intangible cultural heritage assets of this old town.
Every Friday, the private chapel on Progreso Street opens until 6pm for veneration of the miraculous image of the dead Christ. Devotees gather even outside after closing time.
Taste the heritage of Balayan
World-famous fermented fish sauce
Bagoong Balayan is legendary—fermented fish sauce crafted for generations. It is one of the unique local products that draws visitors to the town, offering an authentic Batangueño culinary experience.
Fresh local lechon and tapa, often served during festivals and feasts.
Batangas' famous Liberica coffee, strong and aromatic.
Comfortable accommodations for your heritage tour
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Baywalk: Once a littered waterfront, it was cleaned in 2019 and provides views of Balayan Bay similar to Manila's Baywalk. Perfect for sunset strolls.
Friday schedule: Señor Nazareno Chapel open until 6pm - arrive early as devotees gather outside even after closing.
June 24: Come prepared to get wet during Parada ng Lechon water battles!